CASE STUDIES
DELAWARE VALLEY GRANTMAKERS
Delaware Valley Grantmaker PDF (Right Mouse-Click to Save)
Executive SummaryDelaware Valley Grantmakers (DVG), the region's forum for philanthropy, serves as a network, resource and voice to help strengthen and improve the health and vitality of the Delaware Valley region. DVG recently developed comprehensive strategic and communications plans,laying the groundwork for a number of major projects. These projects included recommendations, but no plan or process to develop several vital communications components. DVG was interested in entering into a relationship with a professional communications firm to refine DVG's overall messaging platform. By ensuring consistency of messaging across the organization, DVG could fully leverage two specific high profile opportunities to heighten awareness of DVG among its target audiences. Additionally, DVG's long-time executive director was retiring and the organization needed a partner who could move the project forward through the transition in leadership. Iris Creative worked with DVG (including past and current EDs) to meet their goals. 
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How Iris HelpedDVG is a small staff organization - there are three staff members in addition to the Executive Director. Iris Creative started with a communication audit to review all the communication efforts delivered throughout the year. Iris turned the Communication Strategy into an Action Plan, while balancing the communication needs with the ability of the staff to deliver materials. DVG had been through a rebranding the previous year and was looking to move the brand forward into executable communications. The Action Plan determined that the most impact would be made by developing a new member kit that was flexible enough to use for both of the Association's key member types - corporations and family funders. A new look was developed using the metallic copper and green selected during the previous rebranding and adding abstract photos to avoid attempting to literally describe the many types of organizations DVG supports. Finally, to ensure materials could be kept up-to-date, Iris Creative trained the staff on updating the insert sheets in-house using InDesign. 
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HISTIOCYTOSIS ASSOCIATION
Delaware Valley Grantmaker PDF (Right Mouse-Click to Save)
Executive SummaryThe Histiocytosis Association of America(the Association) was founded to help patients and families through emotional support as well as encouraging research and education about histiocytic disorders. A small organization with 12 staff members, the Association's team is challenged to communicate individually with families as well as broadly to members about the services they offer. The organization believed it was not communicating regularly or effectively enough about all they do and the impact they have. There was a growing realization that the Association mission would be better served when their vision is made clearer to audiences, the maturity of their organization is reflected in their image and the staff have simple, effective tools to support their work. To begin to understand the strengths, challenges and goals of the Association, the Association completed a strategy session with Iris Creative. The session identified five key areas of communication that would significantly improve the Association's ability to communicate. Recognizing that the root issue was brand clarity, the Association engaged Iris Creative to perform the strategic steps of Discovery, Brand Positioning, Communication Strategy and Action Planning. Defining the meaning of "member" became an important step in the process. Additionally, Iris was engaged to develop a new Brand Identity including logo, stationery and a style guide.
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How Iris HelpedDVG is a small staff organization - there are three staff members in addition to the Executive Director. Iris Creative started with a communication audit to review all the communication efforts delivered throughout the year. Iris turned the Communication Strategy into an Action Plan, while balancing the communication needs with the ability of the staff to deliver materials. DVG had been through a rebranding the previous year and was looking to move the brand forward into executable communications. The Action Plan determined that the most impact would be made by developing a new member kit that was flexible enough to use for both of the Association's key member types - corporations and family funders. A new look was developed using the metallic copper and green selected during the previous rebranding and adding abstract photos to avoid attempting to literally describe the many types of organizations DVG supports. Finally, to ensure materials could be kept up-to-date, Iris Creative trained the staff on updating the insert sheets in-house using InDesign. 
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SCHUYLKILL RIVER HERITAGE AREA
Delaware Valley Grantmaker PDF (Right Mouse-Click to Save)
Executive SummaryThe Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area (SRHA) is managed by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association (SRGA). The region spans 128 miles and 10 counties from Philadelphia to Coal County in Pennsylvania. One of the key features of the region is the Schuylkill River Trail. The trail is comprised of many sections owned and/or managed by eight regional organizations that make up the Trail Council. A key issue for the SRHA was volunteerism. Each Trail Council member has different circumstances and resources when it comes to having, attracting, keeping, and satisfying volunteers. The SHRA believed that working together to share information, issues and insights would allow for improved volunteerism for all the member organizations. Iris Creative conducted a Discovery process to understand the state of volunteerism throughout the Trail Council member organizations. The process focused on analyzing the current management of volunteers and identifying gaps in the current approach. Iris Creative's report additionally provided recommendations for direction and action items for Council members.
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How Iris HelpedIris Creative performed Discovery and Analysis in order to present SRHA with insight and options to work together for the improvement of all volunteer programs. Through competitive research among similar organizations nationally, review of existing data, a focus group of members and an online survey of volunteers, Iris was able to identify the issues and opportunities in the Council. Additionally, Iris performed a Communication Audit, reviewing and cataloging the materials available for communication in the twelve regions. The report shared insight on what volunteers thought of their experiences and presented ideas and opportunities for improvement such as:
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